Power Verbs!

Let's start with the basics.

What's a verb?

• Expresses action or state of being

• Names a person, place, thing, or idea.

• Modifies or describes the noun or pronoun

• Connects words, phrases, and clauses

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

CCSS.L.K.5A

Choose the sentence with the most BLAND power verb:

• The author emphasizes the healthy benefits of a balanced diet through pictures.

• The author instills a feeling of health and wellness through pictures showing a balanced diet.

• The author uses pictures to describe the healthy benefits of a balanced diet.

• The author rationalizes the benefits of a healthy diet through various pictures.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

The word instills means...

• attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.

• to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude

• “reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree.”

• speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

The word vilifies means...

• speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

• reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree.

• give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing.

• attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

The word rationalizes means...

• give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing.

• to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude

• speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

• attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

The word minimizes means...

• to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude

• reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree.

• speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

• attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

The word emphasizes means...

• speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

• reduce (something, especially something unwanted or unpleasant) to the smallest possible amount or degree.

• give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing.

• attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

The author ______ a feeling of joy in his readers by using descriptions of people laughing and enjoying themselves.

• rationalizes

• minimizes

• instills

• vilifies

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

The author ______ the president's decision to go to war through facts that explain we likely would've been attacked if we didn't.

• rationalizes

• minimizes

• emphasizes

• vilifies

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

The author ______ the company's negligence and poor treatment of their employees through emotional testimonies and footage of work conditions.

• vilifies

• minimizes

• emphasizes

• instills

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B